Jeju Island, South Korea’s largest island, is a great destination if you’re considering a week-long road trip in Asia. With its vast volcanic landscapes and great beaches, you’ll be sure to find both opportunities to relax and explore (if you’re of the more adventurous type).
Day 1: Arrival & Jeju City
You’ll be starting your journey at Jeju City. First and foremost, a visit to the Dongmun Market for some fresh seafood, local produce, and street food is a must. After checking into your accommodation, take a little walk through Yongduam Rock (Dragon Head Rock). Tewoo Beach is a great place to watch the sunset.
Day 2: Manjanggul Cave and Seongsan Ilchulbong
Explore Manjanggul Cave's impressive lava tunnels (it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, after all!). In the afternoon, you can hike up Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, for some stunning panoramic views. It’s a moderate climb, and the views are really worth it.
Day 3: Seopjikoji and Aqua Planet
Take a walk along Seopjikoji's scenic coastal paths to see some impressive cliffs and beautiful sea views. Aqua Planet, one of Asia's largest aquariums, is a great place to see diverse marine life, from colourful fish to sharks. To end the day, we recommend hiking up the nearby Seongsan Ilchulbong for a different perspective.
Day 4: Seogwipo and Cheonjiyeon Falls
Drive to Seogwipo, and be sure to make a little stop at Jeongbang Falls, where water cascades directly into the ocean. The Cheonjiyeon Falls, in Seogwipo, are a good spot to chill out at, perfect for a leisurely walk. In the evening, head over to the Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market, sampling local foods and shopping for unique souvenirs.
Day 5: Hallasan National Park
If you feel up for it, we highly recommend hiking up Hallasan, South Korea's highest peak, situated in Hallasan National Park. The trails offer various difficulty levels, and the view from the top is absolutely worth the hike. Enjoy all the biodiversity on the way up this dormant volcano.
Day 6: Jungmun Tourist Complex
For a more relaxing day, spend some time at Jungmun Beach (who doesn’t love a beach with lush green surroundings?). From there, you can visit the nearby Teddy Bear Museum, and check out the Jusangjeolli Cliffs, where hexagonal rock columns form an interesting natural formation.
Day 7: Spirited Garden & Departure ✈️
To end your trip and reconnect with nature, take a walk through the Spirited Garden, known for its beautiful bonsai trees, before heading back to Jeju City. This will allow you to stop at the Jeju Folklore & Natural History Museum on the way, before catching your flight home.